Thought of the Day 07.10.08

As a recovering speeder, I’ve recently rediscovered the pleasure of obeying the law. Of course what now bothers me is other drivers whizzing on by. My first reaction is condemnation. “What an irresponsible, immoral jerk!” But that’s just pride talking, or else jealousy.

Then my second reaction is understanding. “I’ve done it, too, so I can forgive him because I don’t want to be a hypocrite.” But that makes no sense. If one person breaking a rule justified everyone doing so, then we’d all be entitled break every law just because someone else already had. Silly stuff, indeed.

My final reaction is proper judgment. “He is breaking a law, dishonoring God who grants authority to make laws, causing stress to us who obey the law, endangering other drivers, and thus damaging his own soul severely.” Does that make me feel superior to this wretched sinner? No. Rather I pity him for being so misguided about what is truly good for him, and I pray he becomes wiser. At least, that’s what I do eventually…on most days.